James Bailey, Jr.

Minister James Bailey Jr. was born on March 31, 1940, in Jacksonville, Florida to the late Magnolia E. Hill and the late James L. Bailey, Sr. James received his formal education from the Duval County School System, where he graduated from Stanton High School ℅ 58.

James served honorably in the United States Army when he was a young man. After completing his service with the army, he pursued his education at Jones College and Massey Business School. He also attended the Berean Bible College & Seminary in Jacksonville. During his career, he held a variety of jobs and made lifelong friends and acquaintances along the way. Eventually, he retired after 25 years of service with Anheuser Busch Brewing Company.

On December 3, 1966, James married the love of his life, as he called her “his beautiful bride”. Two children were born to this union, James L. Bailey, III and Cecily F. Bailey. James LOVED his family. If he considered, you a part of the family or a friend he embraced and held you close to his heart.

He started his journey with Christ at a young age at Bethel Baptist Institutional Church (The Bethel Church) in Jacksonville, FL. Later, he joined Second Missionary Baptist Church where he served faithfully on Usher Board #1 and in the James Carl Sams Male Chorus. In 2014, he served as the State Devotional Leader for the Progressive M&E Usher Board. In 2007, Minister James Bailey Jr. was ordained under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Odell Smith, Jr. Minister Bailey kept a scripture and a song in his heart. He was a devoted member of the H. Alvin Green Memorial Alumni Chorale until due to health reasons he could no longer serve.

On March 26, 2024, our husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend was called home by the Lord who makes no mistakes. He was freed from all the aches, pains, and illnesses that had troubled him. Although his passing left a deep void in the hearts of his loved ones, his memory and legacy will live on forever.

Minister James Bailey Jr., leaves to cherish his memories and love, a beautiful devoted wife of 57 years Gwendolyn M. Bailey; his children James L. Bailey, III and Cecily F. Bailey; sisters, Doris J. Glover (Nathaniel, Jr.), Angela E. Philyaw (James), Mary Alice Foster, Maxcine Caldwell (Oscar), Evelyn and Beverly Carter; brothers, Austin Hill, Ernest Bailey, Sr., Lawrence (Dee Dee) and Aaron Hill, Robert Jenkins, Ronald and Keith Bailey; Sister-in-laws Mary E. Murray and Pearlie Mae Johnson; God-daughter Linda King and an amazingly loving group of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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